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Every time I watch the Heat play, I absolutely marvel at the way Battier plays. Consistently undersized against 4s but still manages to keep them in check. Excellent at hedging and defending the PnR. Always helps out his teammates on defense when they need it. Always rotates to draw the charge in case of a breakdown. On offense, he doesn't demand anything and he'll hit the open 3 with consistency. Doesn't complain. Honestly, a marked contrast to many of the players in the NBA today.

I've been watching Shane since his Rockets days. His impact generally isn't observed but it's HUGE, as this '09 article talks about: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/magaz ... wanted=all

I also watched him from his rockets days, and I said when we first signed him he would not disappoint in the playoffs, and I was not disappointed. He brings the intangibles and the winning mentality. However I wouldn´t say he is unappreciated, his impact might be underrated at times though.

He was the key to winning our titles. Such a great player he hustle, sacrificing his body, plays solid def, and is a streaky shooter but helps us a lot. I rather say underrated then unappreciated in my opinion.

He was a key signing for us, but there are some guys like him in this league who don't get appreciated by the general public. It's normal and as long as the ones with knowledge appreciate (pay) them accordingly, I doubt they'll worry much.

Ultimate role player..but im not liking this early season from him. He looks old..ray allen compared to him looks like a stud in his mid 20's. Hope he still have some gas in the tank..its an important peace for this team

This is his last year and it kind of shows. But he's been great the past two years. Wouldn't have won without him.

Dupas wrote:Ultimate role player..but im not liking this early season from him. He looks old..ray allen compared to him looks like a stud in his mid 20's. Hope he still have some gas in the tank..its an important peace for this team

I'm not a fan of how much I've been digging up past events to justify the current state of the team, but Battier also looked shaky last year. I appreciate his contributions over the past two seasons, but I'd like for someone else to step up so that we can give him the Mike Miller treatment.

It's gonna be real hard to replace him. A veteran with playoff experience who's smart and does all the little things.

Gwynplaine wrote:It's gonna be real hard to replace him. A veteran with playoff experience who's smart and does all the little things.

I feel like you can put a lot of guys in Battier's role and find success. Hell Lebron made Mo Williams an all-star. i think he has value as a good team guy, but particularly the past two years he's regressed.

harithak47 wrote:

Gwynplaine wrote:It's gonna be real hard to replace him. A veteran with playoff experience who's smart and does all the little things.

I feel like you can put a lot of guys in Battier's role and find success. Hell Lebron made Mo Williams an all-star. i think he has value as a good team guy, but particularly the past two years he's regressed.

It's not so much his role, but the kind of player and person that he is. It's hard to find a guy that is a vet where you can trust him in late game situations, with his BBIQ. Shane has been clutch and there for the team when needed the most. I remember Wade saying that Shane does the things that him and LeBron don't want to do. Mo Williams can't do what Battier has done for this team, especially on the defensive end.

Shane looks a bit sluggish and old right now, but come playoff time he will be ready to go. Also it isn't particularly his fault he is being put on PF's that can man handle him... but it's what we get for playing small ball.